Timeout Card Review: A Physical Reminder to Take Back Your Time

We live in a world where our phones are designed to keep us engaged. A quick check of social media can easily turn into 30 minutes of scrolling, and before you know it, an entire evening is gone. That is why I found the concept behind the Timeout Card interesting, it takes a very different approach to managing screen time.

Timeout combines a physical card with a companion app to block distracting apps on your phone. Instead of relying entirely on willpower or another notification reminding you to put your phone down, Timeout creates an actual physical barrier. You set your phone rules through the app, and once the restrictions are activated, the Timeout Card is required to unlock access.

What I particularly like about the concept is its simplicity. We often try to solve excessive phone use with more apps, settings, or productivity tools. Timeout goes in the opposite direction. It makes distractions inconvenient. That extra step gives you a moment to think: Do I really need to open this app right now?

For someone who frequently gets distracted by social media, short-form videos, or other apps, this approach could be useful. It can also be helpful when you're trying to establish specific boundaries, such as avoiding your phone before bed, staying focused while working, or simply spending more time away from the screen.

Timeout claims that the average person can waste 20 years of their life on their phone, which puts our relationship with screen time into perspective. While the exact amount will obviously vary from person to person, the broader point is difficult to ignore: small periods of scrolling can add up significantly over the years.

Another important point is that Timeout is currently available only on iOS, so Android users will need to wait for availability on their platform.

Overall, I think Timeout is an interesting take on digital wellbeing because it recognizes that simply telling ourselves to use our phones less doesn't always work. By combining software restrictions with a physical card, it introduces friction between us and our most distracting apps.

If you're looking for a more deliberate way to reduce screen time, improve focus, or create healthier phone habits, Timeout is worth checking out.

Learn more: www.timeoutcard.com 

LG Electronics Advances Cooling Solutions for the Philippines’ Growing AI Data-Center Market

The Philippines is emerging as an increasingly important market for data-center infrastructure as demand for cloud computing, digital services, and data sovereignty continues to grow. According to the U.S. International Trade Administration, the country’s expanding digital economy is contributing to greater demand for data-center capacity and supporting infrastructure.

This growth is also being influenced by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). AI applications require significant computing power, which in turn creates substantial cooling requirements for data centers. Maintaining optimal temperatures is essential for protecting servers, ensuring reliable operations, and managing energy consumption.

As the Philippines strengthens its digital and AI infrastructure, access to secure and sustainable energy resources is becoming an important consideration. Data centers operate continuously and can consume considerable amounts of electricity, making energy efficiency and effective thermal management increasingly relevant to operators and infrastructure developers.

Against this backdrop, LG Electronics has introduced its new Air-Cooled Centrifugal Chiller, designed to address the demanding cooling requirements of modern AI data centers. The system incorporates an oil-free magnetic bearing compressor, a technology designed to support efficient and reliable chiller operation.

Another key feature is refrigerant free-cooling technology, which can take advantage of suitable outdoor conditions to support cooling while reducing the mechanical cooling load. This approach can contribute to improved operational efficiency in data-center environments where cooling represents a significant portion of infrastructure requirements.

Reliability is another critical consideration for data centers. LG’s chiller is designed to restore full cooling capacity within three minutes following power restoration. Rapid recovery can help data-center operators maintain stable thermal conditions after a power interruption and reduce the potential impact on critical computing infrastructure.

Beyond the physical cooling equipment, LG is also integrating digital technologies into data-center cooling management. Its Data Center Cooling Management software enables integrated monitoring and data-driven control across complex cooling infrastructure. This can provide operators with greater visibility into system performance and support more informed decisions about cooling operations.

As the Philippine data-center market continues to develop, technologies that combine cooling efficiency, operational resilience, and intelligent management could become increasingly important. With AI and cloud computing driving new infrastructure requirements, advanced cooling systems will play a key role in supporting the country’s next phase of digital growth.

HUAWEI Unveils WATCH GT 7 Series and WATCH D3, Advancing Smarter Sports and Health

MANILA, Philippines — HUAWEI is strengthening its position in the global wearable technology market with the upcoming launch of the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series and HUAWEI WATCH D3 this October. The new smartwatches highlight HUAWEI’s continued focus on smarter sports tracking, advanced health monitoring, and AI-powered experiences.

According to IDC’s wrist-worn device market report for the first half of 2026, HUAWEI retained its position as the world’s No. 1 wrist-worn device company by shipment volume, capturing more than 20% market share. The company also ranked No. 1 in the Philippines during the same period.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Series is designed for users seeking a combination of premium design, fitness capabilities, and long-lasting performance. Featuring an aerospace-grade titanium alloy construction, signature octagonal case, and HUAWEI’s EasyCross strap, the smartwatch is designed to transition from workouts to everyday activities.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the watch introduces the Accurate Sunflower Positioning System with AI-XDR Positioning for enhanced tracking. It also provides AI-powered coaching across more than 100 workout modes. Beyond fitness, HUAWEI TruSense delivers broader health insights, including Physical Readiness tracking and features supporting health research.

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 focuses heavily on cardiovascular health. With an 11.3 mm slim profile and lightweight design, it is built for comfortable all-day wear. Its key feature is HUAWEI’s wrist-based Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) technology.

The WATCH D3 uses an ultra-narrow airbag strap and an upgraded measurement schedule designed to reduce interruptions during 24-hour monitoring. Compared with the previous generation, daily blood pressure measurement inflations are reduced from 27 to just seven. The smartwatch also features Health Glance, CE-certified ECG and PPG, and AI-powered health insights.

Filipino consumers can also take advantage of launch promotions. From September 25 to October 1, customers who place a PHP 500 deposit through the HUAWEI Online Store can reserve their preferred device and unlock PHP 6,000 off upon completing their purchase. Additional early-bird offers will run throughout October, including discounts through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

With the WATCH GT 7 Series and WATCH D3, HUAWEI continues to expand its wearable ecosystem, giving consumers more tools to track fitness, understand health data, and integrate intelligent technology into everyday life.

SHDA Advances 7-Point Resolutions for More Responsive Housing Sector at 34th National Developers Convention

Bringing together over 400 stakeholders, including national policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and industry leaders from September 16 to 17, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) concluded its 34th National Developers Convention at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Anchored on the theme "Elevate: Sustaining Progress through Collaboration and Strategic Housing Innovations," the two-day summit wrapped up with the adoption of a strategic 7-point resolution roadmap to accelerate housing delivery and foster a more responsive housing sector.

Formally presented by SHDA Corporate Secretary Atty. Mena R. Ojeda Jr., the Convention Resolutions outline key industry commitments: 1) sustaining engagement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD); 2) strengthening ease of doing business and participation in Technical Working Groups for the Joint Memorandum Circular involving 15 agencies on housing permitting and licensing; 3) supporting digitization of government-to-government processes and land-titling computerization; 4) strengthening housing taxation efforts, including review of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) and land valuation; 5) enhancing collaboration for affordable and sustainable housing; 6) maximizing economic corridor opportunities alongside solid waste management, water, electricity, and connectivity requirements; and 7) pursuing new and innovative housing developments and interventions responsive to shifting social, economic, demographics, and housing preferences and demand.

These priorities reflected the convention’s discussions. Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog, Senior Economist at CRC Foundation Inc. and Associate Professor at the University of Asia & the Pacific, delivered a status report on the Collaborative Philippine Housing Roadmap 2025–2040, citing progress in streamlining developer permitting standards, with a mandatory 15-day service-level agreement for License to Sell approvals, zero-backlog initiative across regional offices, and 100% digital tracking for development permits, alongside other roadmap goals still underway. Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Atty. Larry Barcelo discussed tax issuances and compliance requirements; Philippine Institute for Development Studies Vice President Dr. Marife Ballesteros examined housing affordability; and Colliers Philippines Research Director Joey Bondoc provided an outlook on the country’s property market beyond 2026.

An update from Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Deputy Director General for Operations, Undersecretary Dr. Lea Grace Salcedo, covered the presentation of JMC No. 1, s. 2026 under the National Effort for Harmonization of Efficient Measures of Inter-related Agencies (NEHEMIA) initiative, aimed at streamlining housing processes and supporting an electronic housing one-stop shop. Sessions also covered land acquisition and conversion, digital government services, 4PH project processes, and eNotarization, alongside discussions on the Luzon Economic Corridor, waste management, circular economy practices, and electricity solutions for communities.

Day 2 focused on market trends, design, and innovation. Philippine Survey Research Center Research Director Andrea Dizon shared findings showing that 61% of Filipinos who plan to purchase a house within the next 3 years prefer to live just outside the city. Location and accessibility remain top considerations, with 78% citing opportunity, while 57% prefer to live within 30 minutes' distance from family. The findings highlighted a primary home with location connected to the city corridor, accessible, in close proximity to family, and better space as factors shaping housing choices across generations.

Jacinto C. Ng Jr., Founder and Group Executive Officer of Joy~Nostalg Group | Raemulan Lands Inc., spoke on how synergy and enterprise can transform lives through NING*NING, creating the world’s first grid-connected, utility-scale solar rooftop installation integrated into a socialized housing community. Globe Telecom Vice President Abigail Cardino highlighted connectivity in modern homes and communities, while GIGIL Founding Partner Badong Abesamis and Plus 63 Co-Founder Dan Matutina explored creative strategy, design thinking, and connecting with the modern generation of homebuyers.

Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Enrique Manuel shared lessons from three decades of developing Bonifacio Global City, highlighting long-term planning, infrastructure, estate management, and the district’s next phase of smart-city, mobility, and sustainability initiatives. PGAA Creative Design Principal Architect Paulo Alcazaren traced the evolution of Philippine subdivision planning and examined more walkable, sustainable communities with greater emphasis on public spaces.

SHDA Chairman Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas emphasized that the convention's value extends beyond the discussions held during the two-day event. “A convention is only as good as what happens after it ends. These resolutions give our members, and the agencies we work with, something concrete to hold each other to,” he said.

Assistant Corporate Secretary and Convention Overall Chairperson Clarissa de Joya highlighted, “What stood out this year wasn't just how many agencies showed up; it was how specific their commitments were, from permitting reforms to a formal review of the property valuation law, while also bringing new perspectives on shifting consumer behavior. That clarity is what will actually move things for the housing community.”

National President Kerwin Padua likewise emphasized the importance of continuing the work initiated during the convention. “Two days of dialogue mean nothing if we don’t act on them. These resolutions are how we make sure this convention outlasts the days it happened in,” he said.

SHDA reaffirmed its commitment to continue collaborating with DHSUD and key government partners, with the Convention Resolutions serving as a guide for public- and private-sector stakeholders in shaping policy and program directions affecting housing development and delivery.

For more information on SHDA membership, initiatives, and advocacy, visit shda.ph or contact the SHDA Secretariat at shda.secretariat@gmail.com.

Philippine Schools Face Renewed Focus on Safety and Reporting

MANILA, Philippines — Recent fatal shootings at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Banga National High School have intensified attention on school safety and emergency preparedness across the Philippines.

The incidents occurred alongside efforts to strengthen schools’ ability to respond to threats. On September 3, the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted a nationwide school safety drill covering armed threats and other emergencies. The exercise emphasized alerts, lockdowns, emergency communication, and first-aid response.

An August 11, 2026 survey by Agile Data Solutions Inc. found that 86.7% of 1,900 respondents considered school threats very or extremely serious. Meanwhile, 80.2% said they were likely or very likely to report suspicious activity.

Despite this willingness, several factors could discourage people from reporting. The most commonly cited barrier was fear of being wrong, selected by 33.4% of respondents. Lack of trust in authorities followed at 25.3%, while 22% cited fear of retaliation. Another 14.8% said not knowing whom to report to could discourage them.

The findings suggest that reporting is not simply a matter of encouraging people to speak up. Clear procedures, trusted reporting channels, and guidance on what to report can reduce uncertainty.

The survey also found a link between procedural knowledge and intent to report. Overall, 77.3% said they knew how to report a school threat. Among those who knew how to report, 54.6% said they were very likely to report suspicious activity. This compared with 21.8% among those unsure how to report and 23.1% among those who did not know.

School safety concerns also extend beyond extreme incidents. Of respondents, 27.2% said they had personally experienced or witnessed some form of school threat. Among this group, 52% cited bullying involving violent threats, followed by physical violence at 28.6%, online or social-media threats at 26.9%, and bomb threats at 22.1%.

Respondents also identified multiple layers of school safety as important. CCTV coverage was selected by 53.3%, followed by stronger disciplinary policies at 53.1%, student awareness programs at 52.3%, campus security personnel at 50.5%, and entry and exit checkpoints at 47.7%.

Together, the findings highlight that preparedness goes beyond emergency drills and physical security. It also depends on whether students, families and school personnel know how to recognize concerns, where to report them, and how information will be handled.